---

Who Can Apply?

Orford Music Academy is open to university-level students aged 18 to 30 (up to 35 for singers). Exceptionally, we accept individuals outside of this age group based on audition results. Please note that students under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and stay off-campus. In such cases, accommodation fees will be deducted from the invoice.

---

New Application and Audition Process

This year, the application and audition process has been simplified. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Submit Your Application
Complete the online application form, where you will need to provide a link to your audition video and pay the application fee. Please note that video links or documents will not be accepted via email.

2. Audition Review Process
After the application deadline, a committee will review all auditions. This committee is composed of experts, but its composition remains confidential and may change each year. Results will be communicated to you by email in mid-March.

3. Additional Documents for Accepted Applicants
If you are accepted, you will be asked to submit the following documents via a secure portal on our website:

• A musical biography
• A photo
• A copy of your diploma or transcript from the most recent completed level of higher education
• A proof of citizenship

---

Audition Material

Instrumental Master Classes

• High-quality video recording including two works of various styles, which must include a work from the standard virtuosic repertoire
• Total duration of approximately 15 minutes
• Recorded after July 1, 2024

Voice and Piano Duo Workshop
Liz Upchurch and Wendy Nielsen / Francis Perron and Christian Immler:

• High-quality video recording of three pieces from the Art Song repertoire, including a German lied, a French melody and a piece of your choice. One opera or oratorio aria will be accepted
• Total duration of approximately 15 minutes
• Recorded after July 1, 2024

Romain Pollet and Benjamin Butterfield:

• A high-quality video recording featuring three contrasting pieces from the Art Song repertoire in English and/or French, as well as an oratorio and/or an opera aria.
• Total duration of approximately 15 minutes
• Recorded after July 1, 2024

collectif9 Chamber Music Workshop and Orford Winds Workshop

• High-quality video recording including two works of various styles, which must include a work from the standard virtuosic repertoire
• Total duration of approximately 15 minutes
• Recorded after July 1, 2024

Composition and Contemporary Music Workshop
For performers:

• High-quality video recording including two works of various styles, which must include a work from the standard virtuosic repertoire
• Total duration of approximately 15 minutes
• Recorded after July 1, 2024

For composers:

• Recordings (audio or video) of two of your recent works, with a total duration of approximately 15 minutes (MIDI simulations will be accepted if audio recordings are not available)
• Sheet music for the presented works
• A cover letter briefly explaining your artistic approach and the aspects you wish to explore during the workshop (maximum of 500 words)

SIXTRUM Percussion Chamber Music Workshop

• A high-quality video recording including one piece for skin percussion (preferably multi-percussion, otherwise snare drum or timpani) and one piece for keyboard percussion with four mallets (the pieces may be recorded separately)
• Total duration of approximately 15 minutes
• Recorded after July 1, 2024

---

Application Deadline

February 6, 2025
If you apply before this date, you will automatically be considered for a scholarship.

Late applications
Applications received after the deadline are accepted and processed until April 3, 2025, subject to availability.

Scholarships will be awarded only if funds are available.

---

Reserving Your Spot

If you receive an acceptance, a detailed invoice, including the classes you have been accepted into and the total cost of your stay, will be sent to you. To secure your spot, you must make a payment of at least 50% of your invoice within 7 days of receiving the acceptance letter. Failure to do so will result in your spot being offered to someone on the waiting list.

If you receive a rejection letter, no further steps are required, and we hope to see you next year.

For any changes, please contact the Education coordinator at admissions@orford.mu.

---

Application Fees

The Academy application fee is $100, non-refundable.

After the application deadline (February 6, 2025), the fee increases to $125, non-refundable.

---

Fees

Masterclasses and Workshops:
The rate for a one-week stay is $1,377 CAD.

Tuition Fees Include:

• A total of 2 hours and 30 minutes of teaching activities with the faculty members (individual lessons, masterclass performance, etc.) for each student
• Group activities (master classes, Q&A sessions, technical classes)
• Weekly student concerts opportunities
• Access to a collaborative pianist
• Networking activities with various musicians

---

Scholarship Allocation Policy

Thanks to the Orford Music scholarship fund, all participants aged 30 and under have the opportunity to receive a partial scholarship by applying before the first deadline.

---

Other Sources of Funding

The following websites are sources that can provide financial assistance:

Scholarships.com 
Student Scholarships 
Institute of International Education 
NAFSA 
Fast web (in Canada and US only) 
CIEE 
International Education Financial Aid 
Fondation Marc Bourgie 
Art Song Foundation of Canada 
Goodcall (scholarship search engine) 
Rotary : Rotary scholarships and grants are managed by local clubs and districts. Interested individuals must contact their local Rotary club before applying. Please follow this link to locate the club nearest to you and learn about application deadlines.

---

University of Sherbrooke Study Credits

In collaboration with the University of Sherbrooke’s School of Music, Orford Music offers its students a university-level training program that can lead to the attainment of credits. For more information on the educational activities offered in collaboration with the University of Sherbrooke, please refer to this following page (in french only). Please note that legal documents (birth certificate or permanent code) must be provided upon registration. To learn about the registration procedures, please contact admissions@orford.mu.

---

Confidentiality

The Personal Information Protection Act states that information related to an individual is confidential. Orford Music is committed to respecting this law. The institution will only disclose relevant information for academic activities and will use students’ photos only with their signed authorization for disclosure.

We invite you to read our Privacy Policy.

---

Cancellation Policy

If you wish to cancel your participation, the following policy applies:

• 1st payment (50% of the total amount): non-refundable
• 2nd payment (remaining balance): refundable, minus the $85 administration fee, only if you notify the Education coordinator by email (admissions@orford.mu) at least 30 days before the first day of the session.

If an unforeseen event (medical issue, visa problem, immediate family death) prevents you from participating in the Orford Music Academy, your deposit can be used for the following year. Proof is required for the deposit transfer to apply. However, you will need to go through the complete audition process again and be re-accepted. If a scholarship had been awarded, it is not transferable to the following year.

---

Arrival & Orientation

• Arrival (check-in): Sunday between 4PM and 7PM at the J.A.-DeSève Pavillon
• Dinner: between 5PM and 6:30PM
• Orientation meeting: 7:30PM

If you plan to arrive outside these hours, notify the Student Services by email at admissions@orford.mu. For last-minute changes, contact the reception at 1-800-567-6155, ext. 233.

---

Identification Card

You will receive an identification card that must be visible at all times. Your ID card allows you to:

• Have meals in the cafeteria
• Circulate within the Charles-Leblanc Pavilion
• Access rehearsal studios
• Attend master classes

---

Consent Form

Upon arrival, students must sign the Orford Music anti-harassment policy and the photo and video release form.

---

• Concert attire
• Piano sheet music (for all pieces you will perform with the collaborative pianist)
• Equipment and tools for instrument maintenance (e.g., spare strings; there is no music store nearby)
• Lightweight summer clothes
• Warm clothes
• Raincoat and umbrella
• Swimsuit
• Toiletry kit (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle (bottles for sale available on site)
• Insect repellent
• Electrical adapter (if your devices are not compatible with 110 volts)
• Pocket money (the nearest ATM is in Magog, 8 km from Orford Music) and change for laundry (please bring $1 CAD coins to use the washer and dryer).

Bedding and towels are provided.

Orford Music is not responsible for theft, loss, or damage to personal belongings. Found items on-site will be taken to reception.

 

---

Rooms

A double occupancy room will be assigned to you based on availability. Bedding and bath towels will be provided. You are responsible for maintaining your room and furniture in the same condition as when you arrived. If you notice any breakage on arrival or unintentionally damage equipment, please notify reception. Any damage caused by negligence will be charged to you.

It is forbidden to move the equipment. Students are not allowed to enter faculty members’ rooms, and vice versa. Please inform the Student Life office if you are aware of any violations of this policy.

---

Room Change

For security reasons, it is important for us to know the occupants of the rooms at all times. If, for valid reasons, you want to change rooms, you must request it through the Education coordinator at  admissions@orford.mu.

---

Extending Your Stay

If you want to extend your stay, contact the Education coordinator at admissions@orford.mu. Your request will be evaluated based on availability. However, you will be responsible for the associated tuition fees if your request is accepted.

---

Curfew

Your cooperation is required for a peaceful stay. Silence near the residences is mandatory between 10PM and 8AM. Thank you for restricting your movements during this period.

---

Guests

For security and tranquility reasons, guests will not be admitted to the residences between 10PM and 8AM.

---

Security

Security services will be available at all times for emergency situations. You can contact them by phone at any time during the Academy period.

---

Service Schedule

(Subject to change without notice)

• Charles-Leblanc Pavilion (practice studios)
  Every day: 7AM to 12AM
• Documentation Center
  Tuesday to Saturday: 9AM to 5PM
• Student Life Service
  Monday to Friday: 9AM to 9PM
  Saturday and Sunday: 9AM to 5PM

---

Meal Service

Schedule:

• Breakfast: 8AM to 9AM
• Lunch: Noon to 1PM
• Dinner: 5PM to 6:30PM

Orford Music Academy provides three meals a day to participants (breakfast, lunch, dinner). No meals will be served outside of these periods. For lunches and dinners, a typical meal tray includes:

• Coffee and tea
• Soup or broth
• Main course
• Dessert

If you have any dietary restrictions, please specify them when you are completing your application. For any change in your dietary requirements, contact the Education coordinator at  admissions@orford.mu.

---

Internet

You will have access to a wireless internet network throughout the site, and the access code will be provided to you on arrival.

---

Laundry

A paid laundry service is available in the TD residence (please bring $1 CAD coins for washer and dryer use).

---

Music Library

A self-service music library is available to students. You will be able to borrow sheet music.

---

Photocopies

A photocopier is located in the Charles-Leblanc Pavilion and can be used for free.

---

Student Activities

To make the stay more enjoyable, the Student Life Service will organize various activities each week, including yoga sessions, art workshops, sight-reading sessions, Q&A evenings with faculty members, campfires and karaoke nights.

---

Transportation for Concerts

Orford Music has a vehicle for transportation to off-site concerts. If you need to participate in one of these events, you must be present at the exact departure time at the designated meeting point with the responsible person.

---

Cannabis

Please note that, despite legalization, it is strictly forbidden for anyone on the Orford Music site to consume cannabis, all year long. Failure to comply may result in immediate expulsion from the Academy, without refund.

---

Alcoholic Beverages

The legal age for alcohol consumption in Quebec is 18 years old.

---

Drugs

The use, possession, and sale of drugs are strictly prohibited. A violation in this regard will result in immediate expulsion from the Academy without a refund. This offense could also be reported to the police.

---

Anti-Harassment

Orford Music has established a policy promoting a healthy and safe environment based on the following principles:

• Orford Music condemns all forms of incivility, harassment, and violence.
• Orford Music promotes and encourages a culture of inclusion, respect, and civility, facilitating harmonious coexistence where everyone is responsible for maintaining a healthy and safe atmosphere.
• Orford Music recognizes the right of its employees, volunteers, and individuals attending its Academy and artistic residences to be protected, assisted, and defended by appropriate mechanisms and remedies.

It is the duty of all Academy participants, faculty members, and Orford Music employees to enforce this policy. Any report will be treated with respect and rigour.

---

 Disciplinary Measures and Dismissal

Violations of behavior standards and Orford Music guidelines can result in a maximum of three infractions, after which your ID card will be confiscated, and you will be required to leave the site without a refund. We rely on your cooperation to avoid the use of disciplinary measures.

Depending on the severity of the violation, Orford Music reserves the right to dismiss, without a refund, anyone who disrupts the functioning of the Academy or does not adhere to behaviour standards and current guidelines. Actions such as stealing, deliberately damaging property, forging or altering an official document, harassment, selling alcoholic beverages, consuming or selling drugs on the site can all lead to immediate dismissal.

---

Please note that there are usually no educational activities on Saturdays. Consequently, departure is scheduled for 10 AM on the Saturday following your arrival.

Allow 15 minutes to complete departure procedures at the reception. If you have a concert that day, your luggage can be stored at the reception until you leave the site. You will also need to return:

• Your room key
• Items borrowed from the music library
• Your identification card

Upon departure, we will send you a survey. Your opinion is important so that we can constantly improve our services.

---

Prices are in Canadian dollars and may vary.

---

By Plane & Airport Shuttle

You can book a shuttle from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Orford Music with the company Aeroshuttle. 

Price:

One way: $125 plus taxes/person
Round trip: $75 plus taxes/person

---

By Plane & Bus

From Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (Montreal-Trudeau/Dorval, YUL), take the 747 shuttle to the Montreal Central Bus Station, located in downtown Montreal.

Price: $11 per person (one way)

At the Montreal Central Bus Station, take the bus (1-866-692-8899) to the town of Magog, select the arrival station Couche-Tard Exit 115.

Price: 

Student: Approximately $60 (round trip)
Adult: Approximately $70 (round trip)

Orford Music is about 8 km from the Magog bus station. You can take a taxi to get to Orford Music.

Price: Approximately $25 per person (one way).

Taxi Gendron: 819 446-4440
Magog-Orford Taxi: 819 843-3377 

---

By Car

For GPS usage, click here.

From Montréal

Take the Samuel-De-Champlain Bridge, then Highway 10 East (Eastern Townships Highway) to exit 118 (Magog-Orford). Orford Music is located along Route 141, in the heart of Mont-Orford National Park.

---

Carpooling

Visit the Orford Music Academy Facebook page to coordinate availability and requests with other students. You can also come to Orford Music with the help of Amigo Express, a carpooling service that connects drivers and passengers who want to share gas costs for medium and long-distance travel.

---

Prices are in Canadian dollars and may vary.

---

By Plane & Airport Shuttle

You can book a shuttle from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Orford Music with the company Aeroshuttle. 

Price:

One way: $125 plus taxes/person
Round trip: $175 plus taxes/person

---

By Plane & Bus

From Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (Montreal-Trudeau/Dorval, YUL), take the 747 shuttle to the Montreal Central Bus Station, located in downtown Montreal.

Price: $11 per person (one way)

At the Montreal Central Bus Station, take the bus (1-866-692-8899) to the town of Magog, select the arrival station Couche-Tard Exit 115.

Price: 

Student: Approximately $60 (round trip)
Adult: Approximately $70 (round trip)

Orford Music is about 8 km from the Magog bus station. You can take a taxi to get to Orford Music.

Price: Approximately $25 per person (one way).

Taxi Gendron: 819 446-4440
Magog-Orford Taxi: 819 843-3377 

---

By Car

For GPS usage, click here.

From the United States (Vermont)

Take I-91 North to the border. Continue on Highway 55 North to exit 34 for Highway 10 West. Go to exit 118 (Magog-Orford) and turn right. Orford Music is located along Route 141, in the heart of Mont-Orford National Park.

---

Carpooling

Visit the Orford Music Academy Facebook page to coordinate availability and requests with other students. You can also come to Orford Music with the help of Amigo Express, a carpooling service that connects drivers and passengers who want to share gas costs for medium and long-distance travel.

---

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Canada now requires foreign travellers without a visa taking a flight to Canada or transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). However, citizens of the United States and travellers with a valid Canadian visa are exempt. Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and those with dual citizenship do not need to apply for an eTA.

The eTA costs travellers $7 CAD and is usually approved within minutes of submitting the application. It is recommended to apply for the eTA before purchasing your plane tickets. However, the eTA is not necessary for entering Canada by land or sea.

Here is the link to apply for an eTA: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta-start.asp

---

Visa

You can find the list of all nationalities requiring a visa to enter Canada by clicking on this link. If you request it, the staff at Orford Music can provide you with a letter to assist you in obtaining your visa. For Orford Music Academy, you will need a tourist visa. You will not need a study permit.

---

Travel and Health Insurance

It is the responsibility of the student to have the necessary insurance. Note that Orford Music disclaims any responsibility for personal insurance.

---

Passport

You will need your passport, regardless of the mode of transportation, to enter the country.

---

Collaborative Pianists

For all masterclasses other than piano, the services of a collaborative pianist are provided for the duration of the class. You will need to provide your pianist with the sheet music for the repertoire you wish to work on during your stay.

---

Rehearsal Rooms

Practice rooms are available every day until midnight. It is also possible to practice in the residences every day between 8AM and 9PM.

---

Student Concerts

To give students the opportunity to experience a professional music career, Orford Music Academy organizes concerts in which the student community can participate.

• Rising Star Concerts
  These concerts are open to the public at the Gilles-Lefebvre Hall every Thursday at 4:30PM and 7:30PM.
• Orford on the Road
  On Wednesday evenings, Orford Music Academy organizes concerts in collaboration with municipalities throughout the Eastern townships. These concerts take place at locations chosen by the municipalities. Inquire upon your arrival on-site.

---

Transportation for Concerts

Orford Music has a vehicle for transportation to concerts held outside the site. If you need to participate in one of these events, you must be present at the exact departure time at the designated meeting point with the responsible person.

---

Orford Music Festival Concerts

Students will receive free tickets for Orford Music Festival concerts (subject to availability).